Planting the Mercy Corps flag on Europe's highest peak

Photo: Mercy Corps Mongolia

Batmanlai, a Mercy Corps driver from western Mongolia's Zavhan aimag, recently climbed to the top of Russia's Mount Elbrus. At 18,510 feet, Elbrus' peak is the highest in Europe. The mountain is notorious for its brutal winter weather, and summit attempts are few and far between.

He began climbing on May 14, 2009 and reached the top on the afternoon of May 17. The climbing was especially diffcult because of strong winds and cold temperatures. On the summit, he raised the Mongolian national flag, as well as Mercy Corps' flag!

Batmanlai is an experienced mountain climber, having climbed more than 21 mountains in Mongolia with heights over 13,000 feet, including Otgontenger mountain in his home province.

Congratulations, Batmanlai, on your latest conquest!